Make a DonationSmoke-free baby
Providing a smoke-free environment for your baby
Every expecting mother wants to give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby.
Unfortunately, many are those who smoke and lack proper information about tobacco’s adverse effects on foetus growth and their own health.
Some people also ignore that second-hand smoke – smoke exhaled by others, by father for example – also has repercussions on the health of the unborn child.
Nowadays, we are also talking about third-hand smoke, i.e. the smoke that gets trapped in hair, skin, fabric, carpets, furniture, clothes and other objects. Third-hand smoke contains the same toxic substances than second-hand smoke and has the same adverse effects on health.
The importance of quitting
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4 000 chemicals: nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, arsenic, ammonia, acetone, lead, formaldehyde, etc. Among those, 50 are known to cause cancer.
Potential complications
Whether active (smoking of the mother) or passive (smoking of others), smoking has a significant impact on the health of the mother and the unborn baby.
Mother :
- Significant decline in fertility
- Placenta problems that may cause bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy
- Higher risk of childbirth complications
- Ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus)
- Higher risk of miscarriage
Baby :
- Premature childbirth
- Growth retardation (birth weight, size and head circumference smaller than average)
- Mortinatality (stillborn children)
- Higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (crib death)
- Slower development of the respiratory tract; more prone to developing respiratory infections, otitis, asthma and allergies
Taking action before, during and after pregnancy
Before pregnancy :
Ideally, smoking cessation should take place prior to conception.
Make plans for psychological help and behaviour modifications from health professionals.
- Sometimes these measures are insufficient. A nicotine substitute (gum, patch, inhaler, lozenge) or medication such as Zyban® or Champix® should be considered. However, it is cautious to stop Zyban® and Champix® as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed.
- Consult your doctor for more information.
During pregnancy :
If the expectant mother has not managed to quit prior to conception, it is crucial that she does so as soon as possible.
- Go to places and locations where the environment is smoke-free
- Ask family, friends and acquaintances to refrain from smoking in your presence
- Make your home a smoke-free area
After pregnancy:
By now, the mother has likely quit smoking, but if she has not, it’s never too late to quit.
Caution : After childbirth, the temptation to have a cigarette can be powerful. Plan ahead ways of controlling these urges to smoke.
Breastfeeding and smoking
In addition to being exposed to the toxic elements of cigarette smoke while in the womb, the newborn of a mother who smokes is now a passive smoker. A breastfeeding mother should immediatly quit smoking. If this proves impossible, breastfeeding remains the best choice for the baby.
Despite the fact that breast milk contains a certain amount of nicotine, breastfeeding helps to protect baby from potential risks of the second-hand smoke.
However, it is important to:
- Reduce to a minimum the number of cigarettes per day
- Smoke far away from the baby, ideally outside and covered with clothing that can be removed before being in contact with the baby
- Wash hands thoroughly after smoking and before being in contact with the baby
- Avoid smoking at least 2 hours before breastfeeding (or smoke just after breastfeeding)
- Never smoke while breastfeeding
It is possible for the mother who smokes to use a patch of nicotine or an inhaler as part of a smoking cessation program.
Without a doubt, the newborn child immediately suffers from the destructive effects of smoking. Studies have shown that over 40% of newborns are exposed to the adverse effects of tobacco.
Every parent wishes for a healthy baby. Do what it takes to give your child a smoke-free environment!
For more information, the Lung Association invites you to consult the respiratory health professionals of its L-U-N-G helpline. This toll-free helpline can provide information and support to help you quit.
To receive a free copy of your GUIDE TO SMOKING CESSATION, contact us:
References
World HealthOrganization (WHO). 2001, Healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
Health Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca* Pre- and Postnatal Smoking Issues
* Breastfeeding / Smoking
Institut National de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), 2009, "From Tiny Tot to Toddler."
Minchin, M.K. 1991. "Smoking and Breastfeeding : an Overview", J Hum Lact, 7(4) 183-8
American Academy of Pediatrics. "Drugs of abuse contraindicated during breastfeeding"
Centre IMAGE de Ste-Justine (Information sur les médicaments en allaitement et grossesse)
Britton, John. ABC of Smoking Cessation. 2004.
U.S. Departement of Health and Human Services.
* Treating Tobacco use and Dependence. 2008.
* The Health Consequences of Smoking : a report of the Surgeon General. 2004.
Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Quebec
For their contribution in revising this document, the Quebec Lung Association would like to thank:
- Dr. Gaston Ostiguy, respirologist, Montreal Chest Institute and medical advisor for the Quebec Lung Association;
- Isabelle Lamothe, clinical-nurse specialist, CLSC Bordeaux-Cartierville and Lactation Consultant, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
